Lake County Sheriff’s Office Conducts Human Trafficking Sting

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago announced the apprehension of 27 individuals following a two-day operation aimed at tackling human trafficking earlier this week.

Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli shared that the sting operation targeted individuals looking to pay for sex through online classified ads.

“While some may view prostitution as a consensual exchange between adults, our investigations have shown that many involved are not doing so willingly,” Covelli stated.

Undercover officers posed as sex workers during the operation. Once the suspects arrived at a hotel in the Gurnee area and agreed to payment, they were arrested and taken to the Lake County Jail.

Reports indicate that two of the individuals resisted arrest. In one instance, a detective sustained minor injuries from being struck in the face, while another suspect damaged property in the hotel hallway.

“These operations are designed to protect victims and hold those seeking sex accountable,” said Sheriff John D. Idleburg. “Reducing demand is essential to dismantling the human trafficking network. Without buyers, there’s no market.”

The suspects were identified as: Abelardo A. Velasquez, 30; Robert L. Rowels, 39; Jamir D. Holmes, 20; Hakeem A. Moore, 22; Jesus Navarrete-Vega, 30; Jesus M. Valdez, 28; Tyree R.L. Alexander, 32; Alexis M. Lopez, 31; Adrion E. Reynolds, 21; Daevieon Garland, 21; Joshua L. Powell, 34; Deybys Matute Moncada, 31; Argyll Piansay, 61; Andre L. Harevey, 41; Ryan P. Gibbs, 26; Ubaldo L. Sanchez, 28; Jonathan R. Litson, 45; and Essodong Tchakpala, 25.

Each of the 27 suspects is facing a charge of soliciting a sex act. They were processed at the jail and subsequently released, with court appearances to be scheduled in the future.